Best Latin America Medical Schools Ranking

The moment you decide to pursue a career in medicine, you should anticipate a lot of hard work and unavoidable hours of study.

Being a doctor is one of the most rewarding professions in the world. Attending one of the best Latin American medical schools is the noblest of all.

Every aspiring medical student should be able to pursue their dreams with no problems. The 2024 Best Latin America Medical rankings highlight some of the most prestigious universities where one can get the best medical study experience. These schools were selected based on criteria in tandem with the World University Rankings.

The medical profession is one of society’s most valuable assets, so it is no surprise that medical degrees are long, all-consuming, and possibly one of the most challenging careers.

Join us to explore the medical schools in Latin America that will make your medical degrees worthy of note, from the World University Rankings data.

What is a Medical Degree?

A medical degree is an academic degree a student can earn for healthcare or medical industry fields. There are various medical degrees, although the most common are M.D. (Doctor of Medicine), R.N.(Registered Nurse), and N.P. (Nurse Practitioner). These degrees take several years of college, clinical education, and internships.

How Many Countries Are In Latin America?

Latin America includes all the Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking nations located in the south of the United States. The countries share significant similarities because Spain or Portugal colonized them.

Below are the countries that are found in Latin America:

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • The Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Puerto Rico
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela

Which Latin American Country Has The Best Medical School?

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and the fifth largest country globally. It dominates the ranking of having the best medical school in Latin America. The country has 15 representative schools in total.

How Long Does It Take to Get A Medical Degree?

Becoming a doctor requires years of education and training. Becoming a doctor generally consists of four parts: undergraduate studies, medical school, residency, and fellowships.

  • Undergraduate studies – After graduating from high school, the aspiring doctor completes a four-year undergraduate program.
  • Medical School – Students usually spend four years in medical school, although some schools offer programs that combine medical school with the undergraduate program.
  • Residency – The residency enables the doctor to gain experience working in hospitals or clinics and assisting in diagnosing and treating patients. Depending on the area of specialization, the residency can take from three to eight years, according to the American Medical Association.
  • Fellowship – Although not a requirement, many doctors attend fellowships. Fellowships, which can take one to three years of training, are generally used if a doctor works in a specialized field.

How Much Does A Doctor In Latin America Earn?

According to the US Bureau of labor statistics, doctors’ wage in Latin America equal or exceeds $208,000 per year or $100.00 per hour. However, there are pay variations according to medical specialization. As a medical practitioner, you can work multiple jobs simultaneously to earn more.

What are the Rankings of the Best Medical Schools in Latin America?

The World Medical School Rankings are based on academic reputation, employer reputation, and acceptance rate.

#1 Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Established in 1888 by the then archbishop of Santiago, receiving the blessing of Pope Leo XIII a year later, UC is one of six private Catholic institutions in the country.

It ranks the best university in Latin America and one of South America’s best universities (Chile).

Santiago is relatively safe, has the second most extensive metro system in Latin America – with more than 100 stations – and is relatively affordable compared to most capital cities in Europe and North America.

Location

Chile

World Rank

601–800 

Rate

USD$300

VISIT SCHOOL

#2 University of São Paulo

Established in 1934, the University of São Paulo came about by collaborating with existing schools.

The University of São Paulo is the largest Brazilian public university and is considered one of the country’s most prestigious educational institutions.

The university also houses five affiliated hospitals, 24 museums, and galleries – with half a million visitors per year – two theatres, a cinema, and a TV channel run by students.

The university has a great 70 libraries installed across the various campuses for students to use and enjoy.

Location

Brazil

World Rank

 251–300 

Rate

$495-951 USD/Month.

VISIT SCHOOL

#3 University of Campinas

Established in 1966, the university produces much patent material, outstripping other larger institutions and companies.

A breakthrough was achieved in 2003 when scientists from UniCamp licensed a patent for genetic death detection, and in more recent years, scientists at UniCamp have developed a test for the detection of the Zika virus

Location

Brazil

World Rank

401–500

Rate

$452-871 USD/Month

VISIT SCHOOL

READ ALSO: 13 Best Schools For Linguistics in the World

#4 Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio)

Established in 1941, PUC-Rio is a research institution focusing primarily on developing science and innovation. It is also a private non-profit Catholic university.

It has about 1,500 faculty members and researchers and 26 departments organized in four academic centers: Theology and Human Sciences, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, and Biomedical Sciences. 

PUC-Rio offers programs for undergraduate and graduates international students: exchange and short-term programs and double degree programs, among others.

Its campus includes computer centers, free internet access; libraries; restaurants; a bookstore; and cultural and community service projects.

Location

Brazil

Rank

601–800 

Rate

$525-1,045 USD/Month.

VISIT SCHOOL

READ ALSO: 21 Best schools in London for International Students in 2024

#5 Monterrey Institute of Technology

Tecnológico de Monterrey is a private university system founded in 1943 in México. It is a comprehensive university offering Ph.D., master, undergraduate, and high-school medical programs. 

All its academic programs are accredited by international accreditation agencies such as SACS – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ABET – Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, etc.

94% of the graduates are employed within 12 months of graduation. Some of Tecnológico de Monterrey’s alumni are now directors in successful companies in Mexico and Latin America, while the presence of its graduates in key government and public administration positions is constantly growing.

Location

Mexico

World Rank

601–800 

Rate

US$1,000 per year

VISIT SCHOOL

#6 Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP)

The Federal University of São Paulo, known in Portuguese as the Universidade Federal De São Paulo or UNIFESP, is a public university in Brazil.

From its beginning until 2005, UNIFESP was a health science specialist university. Its mission was to develop students into health professionals and contribute to medical research.

The original core of the university was the Paulista School of Medicine, dating back to 1933. In 1994, the school was transformed from a private institution into a federal one.

Location

Brazil

World Rank

601–800

Rate

$495-951 USD/Month

VISIT SCHOOL

#7 University of Chile

The University of Chile, based in the capital city of Santiago, is the oldest in the country and one of the most prestigious in the region.

One of the first astronomy observatories in Latin America – The National Astronomy Observatory, founded in 1852 – belongs to the university.

The health facilities include a clinical hospital and research laboratories, serving the public, pioneering medical research, and providing opportunities for students.

Location

Chile

World Rank

 601–800

Rate

$513-849 USD/Month

VISIT SCHOOL

#8 Federal University of Minas Gerais

The university offers 75 undergraduate courses, 78 graduate programs, and 68 continuing education programs, in all fields of knowledge, with more than 40,000 students enrolled.

The University is a public institution recognized as an outstanding center of excellence in Brazil. UFMG has 20 academic units, three special units, three administrative units, two hospitals, and 25 libraries.

As one of Brazil’s largest research universities, UFMG is committed to striking a balance between the high quality of its courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, the expanding impact of its research, and the growing social relevance of its academic activities.

Location

Brazil

World Rank

601–800

Rate

$399-759 USD/Month

VISIT SCHOOL

Conclusion

The above-listed medical schools in Latin America meet the World University and Latin American schools’ standards. They were carefully compiled to meet the basic requirements of new Meds.

We hope the information provided here will enable you to choose what med school is best for you.

Good luck with being the best doctor there is!!

References

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